Moffitt Celebrates Grand Opening of Discovery and Innovation Center at Speros

Moffitt Cancer Center celebrated a major milestone in its research expansion Thursday with the grand opening of the Moffitt Discovery and Innovation Center, or MDI, at Speros, its growing life sciences campus in Pasco County. 

The 250,000-square-foot facility represents a significant investment in Moffitt's research future, providing scientists with advanced laboratories, shared technology and collaborative spaces designed to accelerate discoveries and bring promising new treatments closer to patients. 

Moffitt leaders, researchers, elected officials and community partners gathered to celebrate the opening, which comes just days before the cancer center's 40th anniversary on Oct. 27. 

"The Moffitt Discovery and Innovation Center represents a major investment in the future of Moffitt's research community and our ability to pursue discoveries that can change the way we prevent, detect and treat cancer," said Patrick Hwu, MD, president and CEO of Moffitt. 

Hwu also recognized Moffitt founder H. Lee Moffitt, whose vision helped establish the cancer center four decades ago. 

"Today, we are continuing that legacy by investing in the people, science and new ideas needed to shape the next generation of cancer discovery," Hwu said. 

Creating Space for Scientific Discovery 

MDI was developed as Moffitt's existing wet-lab research space as its Magnolia campus reached capacity. The new facility provides room for the cancer center's expanding research enterprise while creating opportunities for scientists from different disciplines to work more closely together. 

By the end of 2026, MDI is expected to house 20 faculty laboratories and approximately 250 research personnel. About 60% of the building is currently built out, leaving additional space for future growth and potential biotechnology collaborations. 

Research at MDI spans several areas, including cancer biology, drug discovery and chemistry, bioengineering, cancer metabolism and radiopharmaceutical research. 

The facility features flexible laboratories with movable benches and overhead utilities that can be adapted as research needs change. Shared technologies and equipment spaces are intended to increase access to specialized resources, while open collaboration areas encourage researchers to exchange ideas. 

Advanced capabilities include the Nikon Center of Excellence, specialized imaging technologies and molecular and drug discovery resources. 

John Cleveland, PhD, Moffitt's center director and chief scientific officer, emphasized the importance of bringing researchers together in an environment designed to encourage scientific collaboration. 

"The Moffitt Discovery and Innovation Center was intentionally designed to bring researchers and physician-scientists from different disciplines together, creating opportunities to exchange ideas, build connections and collaborate through partnerships and everyday interactions," Cleveland said. 

He added that the ultimate goal is to translate those discoveries into new treatments. 

"The explicit goal of this new research facility is to accelerate the journey from discovery to clinical translation," Cleveland said. 

A Growing Hub for Research and Innovation 

MDI is a scientific anchor of Speros, Moffitt's 775-acre life sciences campus in Pasco County. 

Located near the Moffitt at Speros outpatient center and the Richard M. Schulze Family Foundation Proton Center, the research facility is part of a larger effort to bring research, patient care, education and industry together in one location. 

That proximity is intended to strengthen connections between laboratory discoveries and clinical care, while creating opportunities for partnerships with biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies. 

Congressman Gus Bilirakis, who joined the ribbon-cutting celebration, highlighted the broader significance of the investment. 

"Moffitt is a tremendous regional asset," Bilirakis said. “It’s a place where families find hope during some of the most difficult moments of their lives. Where dedicated professionals pursue answers to extraordinary, complex questions. Where scientific discovery creates a new possibility for patients.” 

The development also represents continued investment in Pasco County and the Tampa Bay region's growing life sciences industry. 

Florida Agriculture Commissioner Wilton Simpson, who was responsible for securing funding for the facility while serving as president of the Florida Senate, emphasized the importance of collaboration and the facility's potential impact on patients. 

"How many lives are going to be saved?" Simpson asked. “How many grandparents are going to see children grow up? How many children are going to meet their grandparents, otherwise would not have been possible? All of the things you would want to put together for a facility, we have here today.” 

Florida Commissioner of Agriculture @WiltonSimpson highlights the Moffitt Discovery and Innovation Center’s role in advancing innovation and cancer care in Florida. Thank you for supporting our mission! https://t.co/Bw4N0eCdRa

— Moffitt Cancer Center (@MoffittNews) October 22, 2026

Building on 40 Years of Progress 

As the celebration concluded, Hwu reflected on what the new facility represents for Moffitt and the patients it serves. 

"Today, we celebrate the opening of a remarkable new building, but more importantly, we celebrate what this building makes possible," Hwu said. 

"Every discovery, collaboration and advancement brings us closer to our mission, to contribute to the prevention and cure of cancer."